Showing posts with label Romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Romance. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

A Whole New Me by Adrianna Schuh





Audience
Mature teenagers!


Genre
NA, Romance, Coming of Age, Realistic Fiction


Pages
212




Recommended For and Similar Reads
A Whole New Me is a racy, emotionally stimulating, and heartfelt read for very mature teenage readers! If you’re ready to read about the next step of relationships and the emotional mountain that comes with it, A Whole New Me is perfect for you! Similar reads are Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston, My Dear Ellie by Aisha Urooj, and Looking for Alaska by John Green!
Summary by Author
A Whole New Me is a standalone friends to lovers romance.

Tessa has something to prove and she wants to use Ricky to do it.

She's not surprised when he agrees to her friends with benefits plan, but she is surprised when it seems like Ricky wants more than she's willing to give.

Can she keep Ricky without giving him hope for something more?

Because Tessa won't let this be love.



Our Statements 
A Whole New Me was a huge change in style for our readers! It was down-to-Earth, eye-opening to college romance, and increasingly engaging as each character fought for one another. This book is definitely the ugly side of true love - there is no destined Prince Charming, no fairytale frog to kiss. The obstacles the characters face are realistic and logistical, giving readers insight to the struggles of college relationships. We adored the truth A Whole New Me depicted!

Review, 3.5/5
Opinions: Overall, A Whole New Me was a fun, energetic, edgy read! It was a bit mature for our readers, but we definitely see the appeal for older teens. The romance was steamy and unique, the characters and their goals were consistent and relatable, and the ending was motivating and worth the struggles! Ricky was our favourite character because we were touched by his perseverance and motivation, traits not often present in male characters. The setting was also a favourable change for our readers. Instead of cheesy drama about who got the lead role in the high school play, characters in A Whole New Me dealt with real life and the first step into adulthood after leaving the nest. Schuh did a fabulous job depicting all elements of the story and using these to her advantage to further present the themes of love, friendship, and self respect. We loved A Whole New Me!
Our Favourite Thing: Like we mentioned above, A Whole New Me was realistic and relatable. Rather than a perfect fairytale with a predicted story arc, there were tough obstacles and unexpected twists! The themes of self respect and real love correspond with the ugly, logistical side of relationships readers are given insight to. No more high school first loves, this is real life! Schuh didn’t hesitate discussing the truth in A Whole New Me. We adored how realistic and consistent this book was!
Our Least Favourite Thing: Although it’s not necessary, all of our readers wish there was more context. The only plot is the romance between Tess and Ricky, but what about visiting parents? What about other friends? What about college classes, homework, exams? Granted, we’d prefer a lack of these elements to an excess of these elements, but reading became monotonous when there was no external plot to spice things up. 






Giveaway
We're looking for reviewers to win this digital copy of A Whole New Me! If you're willing to write a few sentences about what you liked, what you didn't like, and who else would love this book, sign up above!



Author Information
My name is Adrianna. I’m a 27 year old wife, mother, author, book lover, and librarian. I have a deep love for books and an unhealthy obsession with iced tea! I can quote almost any Disney movie, Belle is my favorite Disney princess, and I live for Harry Potter! I enjoy reading YA and New Adult Romance above anything else. I have a beautiful baby boy who is my whole world. I also have 5 cats and 1 who complete my crazy little family. And when I’m not reading I enjoy writing, puzzling, trivia, and long walks. Thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoy!
<3 Adrianna

Schuh's YouTube Channel
Make sure to visit and explore Adrianna Schuh's YouTube Channel where she discusses romance recommendations, favourite bookish boyfriends, and more!

Link to YouTube: https://t.co/rYik6eHc5a?amp=1
Other Books by Adrianna Schuh
Summary by Author: This one's for the quiet girl. The nerdy girl. The sad girl. The shy girl. The brave girl. The strong girl.
This book is for the girls who need a reminder that they are not alone.
A collection of short stories dealing with love, loss, accepting who you are, and remembering that no one knows you better than you.


Links
Per FTC regulations, please know that we received this title for free for review from the original author, the publisher, publicist, or a third party. We are honest in our reviews, meaning the fact we received the book for free does not alter the rating we give it. 
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Saturday, February 22, 2020

The Southern Belles by Katie Simpkins






Audience

Mature teenagers!



Genre
Riches to Rags, Adventure, Romance, Coming of Age, New Adult


Pages
447


Recommended For and Similar Reads
The Southern Belles is a loud, edgy, dramatic story that makes your heart race and your fist pump in the air! You’ll adore this book if you have read, watched, and enjoyed the television show "The Windsors," American Royals, The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, "Schitt's Creek," "The Politician," "The Real Housewives," or A Tale of Two Cities! Look at what a field of subjects that covers: humour, classics, teenage, soaps, and more! The Southern Belles is a drama for readers of all sorts who are looking for a bit of scandal in their sibling rivalry and economic issues...



Summary by Author
Heiresses, Evelyn, Georgia and Olivia Belle, nicknamed the Southern Belles by the tabloid press, have everything they’ve ever wanted. Then, suddenly, on Evelyn’s 30th birthday, their father dies in a tragic road traffic accident, leaving a massive hole in his business’ finances. With the world’s media, and the National Crime Agency looking on, their family home, cars and all other assets are sold at auction, leaving the sisters penniless, homeless and jobless.

Shunned by their celebrity friends, the Belle sisters must learn to fend for themselves for the first time in their lives. Evelyn, the eldest, knows how dire their situation is, and asks their father’s solicitor, who has kindly paid for their first two months’ rent on a rat-infested bedsit in Brighton, to look into their Father’s case, while they hunt for jobs to make ends meet, which inadvertently leads to them meeting new guys, falling in love, and learning along the way that the world doesn’t owe them a favour, and that money doesn’t buy you happiness.




Our Statements 
The Southern Belles was a witty, upbeat, scandalous drama! It answers the question of 'What would happen if the Kardashians lost all of their money?' All of the elements - plot, setting, characters, writing style, and themes - were eye-popping and resonating to our readers. We loved all of the characters for their individuality and faults, the plot for its authenticity, and the ending for its climax! The story isn’t overrun with themes and lessons to learn but you definitely take something away from reading it. We couldn’t set the book down because it was astonishing! We each strongly recommend The Southern Belles as your term break read!



Our Favourite Quote
“Collectively referred to by the tabloid press as ‘the Southern Belles,’ Evelyn Belle, the eldest of the three sisters, preferred to believe it was because they were the living embodiment of the Southern Belles of old, rather than because their surname was Belle, and that they lived in Brighton, the seaside city in the South of England.”





Review
Opinions: The Southern Belles by Katie Simpkins was a scandalous, upbeat, never-ending tale! It isn't just any riches to rags story, it's the epitome of the sort! The modern Belle sisters, Georgia, Evelyn, and Olivia, just lost their father and riches and now have to fend for themselves in the real world. I appreciate how realistic the story is without making it too financial-based for teen readers! At the same time, readers do learn a lot about getting jobs, making friendships, living up to the standards set for you by others, and stepping outside the box through the girl's struggles and successes. We also get insight on their love lives, sisterly fights, and other entertaining events! Something else about the book that I adore is that it is completely insightful and unique. Rather than viewing the struggles through the eyes of an all-loyal maid like most books, you're seeing it through the sisters themselves! It's down-to-Earth and consistent because of this. Overall, The Southern Belles was a fun, resonating, and scandalous read. I strongly suggest you add this onto your TBR list!

My Favourite Thing: As an avid reader and writer, I've discovered many "rules" and seen many variations of said rules. For example, Chekhov's Gun (the idea that if it's not important to the plot, don't mention it at all). Some authors take this seriously, some do not, some change their style depending on character, etc. A rule I've always been taught and have seen followed by all other writers is to be selective about dialogue. Simpkins did not follow this rule at all, but to my surprise, it worked! Each of the characters were brought to life by their voice, inflection, and tone! This change of style was a delightful surprise and made the book much more engaging and relatable. I am overly impressed in Simpkin's ability to tell the story through the characters more than the setting/world like most authors do. This feature popped out to me immediately and stuck with me through the entire book, and for this, I truly adore The Southern Belles!

Other Notes: 
- I adore the sisterly love. Even through rough times, they stick together! This teaches readers the true meaning of siblingship.
- This is EXACTLY what would happen if the Kardashians lost all of their money!
- This book talks about paths and endpoints. Even with such drastic differences between Flick and the Belles' situations, they still end up moneyless and jobless. Different stories have similar journeys.
- The girls treat life differently once they're not weighted down by their father's expectations. Sometimes, what works for some people doesn't work for others!



Author Information
Katie Simpkins is the pseudonym for 42-year-old dental technician Duncan Brockwell, from a town near Brighton, called Burgess Hill. Duncan works at Elite Dental Studios in his hometown during the day, and writes in his spare time. He is the author of The Southern Belles, his debut novel. Since writing The Belles, he has completed a further four novels, the first sequel to The Belles, The Varndean Vixens, two crime dramas, Blood Bunker and Blood Lust, a horror novel, Hellingly, set in an abandoned mental asylum, and is currently writing his first action / adventure called Trailblazer, set in the American Midwest in 1976, about an aging country singer who is being pursued by the mob, the FBI and a nutty sheriff, while on tour with his band and getting to know his estranged daughter, Nancy. He is also attempting to write a comedy TV series script for The Southern Belles for a producer at Voyage Media.
Interview with Author

When did you realize you wanted to be an author?
I started writing at university, when I was twenty-two. I’ve wanted to write for as long as I can remember, but it was bit of a pipedream back then. It was akin to saying I want to be a footballer, or actor. I wrote my first proper novel at university, however it was awful. I didn’t start writing seriously until mid-August 2018, and since then, I’ve written six first drafts of novels.

How do you handle writer’s block?
I don’t seem to suffer from it, touch wood. Because I’m a planner - with a bit of pantser mixed in - I know what has to happen in my novels and when, so I don’t seem to get stuck.

What is your favourite part of the writing process?
Sitting there with a blank screen, thinking of the best way to start a scene. The best part is after I start writing, reading it back and having created something.

Have you written a book or story you’re particularly proud of?
The book I’m most proud of, is probably The Southern Belles, because I took myself out of my comfort zone of crime and horror, my two favourite genres. Writing romance was a tough learning curve for me, yet an enjoyable one.

Do you write for yourself or for your readers?
I think writers write for themselves; or at least they have to start out like that, until they have readers. I think, when I have readers, and I have a few books out, my outlook will change, and I’ll be more conscious of what my readers want. I’m very active on social media, so my readers can contact me through Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Is there a story you’ve always wanted to write but never have?
I’ve written two-thirds of an action/adventure novel called Trailblazer, set in the Mid-West America in 1976 about an aging country singer trying to pay off a mob boss while on tour with his band. At the same time, he’s trying to get to know his estranged daughter, Nancy, while evading the FBI and a nutty sheriff. The problem is, it’s not suitable for my publisher, so I don’t want to waste my time writing something that won’t ever see the light of day.

What was your favourite book when you were a kid?
That’s easy: The Godfather. Mario Puzo is my hero. I’ve read all his books!

What advice would you give to a writer that’s just starting?
The only advice I can give is to write. Sounds silly, but I’ve heard so many people say, ‘I’d love to write a book’. They never do, because it’s hard work. It takes a long time to write a novel of 100,000 words. The Southern Belles took me 3 months to write the first draft, and a further six weeks to edit, while working full time at the dental laboratory. Life gets in the way. So, if you want to write a book, sit down and write.

What does success mean to you? When do you become an 'author' rather than a 'writer'?
Success to me will be when I earn more from my books than I do as a dental technician. And a writer becomes an author after their first book is published, be it traditionally, independently, or through self-publishing. Just my opinion.



Giveaway




Trivia
Setting: The Southern Belles is set in Brighton, England. That's actually a real place! Brighton is in the East Sussex county and sits on the channel coast. The Southern Belles includes many real Brighton landmarks, including the beaches, Brighton Shelter Hall, Theatre Royal, Beachside Day Centre, Fortune of War, and many more! The text-to-world connection makes the story much more enjoyable and relatable for readers!

Characters: The narrator of the story is Nana, a grandmother reading her sick grandchild a book called 'The Southern Belles.' Later in the story, we learn that Nana and Grace are related to the sisters and they're reading about their recent ancestors. This brings an element of mystery and surprise to the book. Now, the real question is, what is Katie Simpkins' relation to the Belles? 




So You Think You're a Fan?
Have you already read and loved The Southern Belles? Prove you're a fan by taking this quiz! You'd be surprised by how many specifics and details you forget once you've finished reading. Do you think you can get 100% of the questions about characters, events, and settings correct? 

If you can get 100% on the quiz, you'll be named on our leaderboard!





Links

Twitter: @FusionPress1
Publication Date: 24 July, 2019
Publisher: Fusion Press


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Saturday, February 8, 2020

Fountain Dead by Theresa Braun




Audience
Teenagers!


Genre
NA, Horror, Fantasy, Mystery
Pages
187
Recommended For and Similar Reads
Fountain Dead is a haunting, racy, enchanting story for mature teenagers looking for meaning in fantasy. If you love LGBTQ pride, romance, near-past and historic stories, or spooky tales, you must read this book! Similar reads are But Not Forever by Jan Von Schleh, Mrs Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs, and Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake!


Summary by Author
Mark is uprooted from his home and high school in the Twin Cities and forced to move with his family into a Victorian in Nowhere-ville. Busy with the relocation and fitting in, Mark’s parents don’t see what’s unfolding around them—the way rooms and left behind objects seem alive with a haunted past.
Of course, Mark keeps his ghostly encounters to himself, all the while sinking deeper into the house's dark, alluring, and ultimately terrifying history. As romantic entanglements intensify, the paranormal activity escalates. Past and present come together. Everything is connected—from the bricks in the walls to the hearts beating in their chests, all the secrets of Fountain Dead are finally unearthed.



Our Statements 
Fountain Dead is a must-read for teens looking for meaning in fantasy! It teaches lots of valuable life lessons through the fun fantasy, romance, and ghostly elements. If you’re looking for an easy way to learn about self respect, the normality of sex, or illness, you must read Fountain Dead!
Our Favourite Quotes
“Whether it was a goddess or a mermaid, whatever it was tumbled in fragments. The mossy pieces piled at his feet until there was nothing left.”

“His guy was about to annihilate a crowd of blinking ghosts. Soon his initials would be boasting his domination.”


Review by Emma Katherine
4/5 stars

Initial Impressions: Right off the bat, I see the potential in this book. The introductory paragraphs are heart-wrenching and alluring, completely immersing the reader in the story. After that, I couldn't set it down! Currently a few chapters in, I can see the plot forming: the relationship between Mark, Emma, and their families. I am finding it very easy to relate to the characters, especially Mark, which makes reading easier and more enjoyable. Something else I've enjoyed so far are the time switches: back and forth between Mark's "drab" life in 1988 and Emma's chaotic journey in 1861. I can't wait to continue reading to find out more!

Opinions: In one word: riveting! Fountain Dead is a chaotic-evil story that leaves readers with a chill up their spine and something to think about. I am all-around impressed with Braun's creation; the characters, the conflict, and the ending. The ending was an intense, thought-provoking, satisfying climax that increased the rating by a whole star! The characters were also something to brag about; each of the protagonists, despite their geographical location or location in time, were easily related-to by the readers. Sexual interests and confusion, parental arguments, disturbed dreams, and even ancestry are things modern teenagers ponder, and this book brings them to the table without hesitance or embarrassment. Therefore, in addition to Fountain Dead being an entertaining and enjoyable read, is impressionable and influential to readers. Another star was awarded for the novel's themes and motifs! Overall, Fountain Dead was a fun, quick, irresistible read that I simply could not set down. I completely recommend this to any teen looking for meaning in fantasy!

My Favourite Thing: I adore the themes and lessons taught in Fountain Dead! This story, despite its supernatural motifs, is very realistic and teaches the readers lots of things about self respect, the normality of sex and questioning your preferences, growing up, fighting with your parents and siblings, and respecting your peers. This book is definitely worth the read because of so many important features, most importantly the themes. 
Per FTC regulations, please know that Emma Katherine reviewed this title for commission by the author. Emma Katherine is honest in her reviews, meaning the fact she received the book for commission does not alter the rating she gives it. 

Author Information

Hmmm. What's this? Looks like Ms. Braun left her computer on and her Goodreads bio open.
This should be fun.
What can we say about Theresa? I mean other than the fact that she's weirdly obsessed with smiley faces :-). Like, seriously obsessed >:-*. It's kinda scary :-O.
I think she thinks she's from Renaissance England or Venice or something. I never could figure out which one it was. (She's really bad at doing accents.)
She likes romance novels and crime TV, which are pretty much the same thing when you think about it. Ha! Am I right?
She has a hell of a singing voice. Seriously. It's, like, seventh circle of hell bad.
She likes editing. A lot. Just wait till she gets aload a this.
Cats. Shoes. Chips and salsa. In that order.
Yeah, that last part didn't make sense to me either.


Other Books by Theresa Braun
Theresa Braun has written a mirage of other horror, romance, and fantasy stories that you must check out! Beware that not all of them are appropriate for teenagers!
Dead Over Heels
Deadman’s Tome: Monsters Exist
Groom and Doom
Dying for an Invitation
The Celestial Assignment
Hardened Hearts
Hindered Souls: Dark Tales for Dark Nights
Strange Behaviors: An Anthology of Absolute Luridity
Under the Bed Vol. 04 No. 08

Links and References
Twitter: @tbraun_author
Instagram: theresa.anne.braun
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